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Tumi Launches 'Accent Your Alpha' Customization Program

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Tumi Launches 'Accent Your Alfa' Customization Program
When President Obama selected a black leather Tumi laptop bag as his briefcase of choice, it merely confirmed that the brand has become the leader in premium business and travel accessories, a fact long known by serious sojourners. The company, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, has launched a personalization program for its flagship Alpha line of luggage in super-tough ballistic nylon, so your case really stands out in a crowd. The new "Accent Your Alpha" service lets road warriors and holiday travelers alike personalize their classic carriers by adding striking pops of color to monogram patches, luggage tags, zipper pulls, and more. The chic palette not only adds a dose of style but sets the personalized cases apart from the many Tumi imitators.

1930s Bespoke Gentleman's Spirits Case from Goyard

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style, The Classicist

1930s Bespoke Gentleman's Spirits Case from Goyard
An elegant 1930s bespoke gentleman's spirits case from Goyard, the luxurious Parisian luggage maker founded in 1853, is being offered for sale by New York's Mantiques Modern for $2,800. Custom made for a connoisseur who wanted to be sure of always having his favorite tipple ready to hand while gallivanting around the globe, the handmade monogrammed case is crafted of fine pigskin with brass hardware. Inside it features two sizable silver plated flasks and a set of four silver tumblers in fitted compartments. When fastened it resembles a briefcase. Goyard has long had a devoted clientele of celebrities and royalty. Aristocrats such as the Grand Duke of Russia, the Maharajah of Kapurthala and the Duke of Windsor all traveled with Goyard luggage.

Johnny Depp & Angelina Jolie Wear Belstaff in 'The Tourist'

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Shopping

Johnny Depp & Angelina Jolie Wear Belstaff in 'The Tourist'
Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie both sport items from luxe British outerwear company Belstaff in their stylish new movie The Tourist. Jolie wears a waterproof parka while Depp sports a military-style overcoat and leather briefcase. In addition, during filming Depp was spotted wearing a leather blouson jacket by Belstaff that was in fact made for his 2009 movie Public Enemies (see the gallery). While Depp's coat is unfortunately not available to the general public, his briefcase and Jolie's jacket will be this spring.

The Tourist Parka, which Jolie wears in the movie's boating scenes (above), is made of waterproof, breathable self-shining fabric and with an adjustable drawcord and large, snug hood. It's priced at $795. The Office Bag, Depp's vintage style leather briefcase, is priced at $775. Belstaff was a favorite of Steve McQueen and has also outfitted Brad Pitt in Inglorious Basterds, Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible and War of the Worlds, Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code, Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns and George Clooney in Leatherheads.

Unexpected Treasures: The Case of the Tumi Classic

Filed under: Handbags

We love handbags and briefcases on this site so we were excited to see the Tumi briefcase shown at right come in for an Unexpected Treasure. Luxist reader Dana tells us that this Tumi Classic Sienna Briefcase was a gift in 1975. The briefcase may be older but it is in great shape and the classic style means that it's just as functional and useful as it was decades ago. In fact given the aging of the leather it might be a little more attractive and a little more valuable.

We asked Matthew Rubinger, who runs Heritage Auctions new luxury accessories department what he thought about this piece. He agreed that it is a nice bag and pointed out that natural leather ages beautifully creating a soft and appealing patina. He believe that it would probably sell for more than it originally retailed for estimating that it might fetch $200 to $300 at auction.

If you want to submit your own unexpected treasure, click over here for details.

For The Disorganized And The Hyper-Organized: A Product From Porsche Design: The Lean BriefBag Brings Order To The Workplace

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style

A Product From Porsche Design: The Lean BriefBag Brings Order To The Workplace

Here is another product from Porsche Design in Zell am See, Austria. Originally created for Porsche Design business consultants, who must be the most organized people on earth, this product became accessible to the rest of us just last week. The price is $570.00, and this is without the VAT tax, which in Germany, runs between 7-19% of the total price --a bargain for people whose briefcases are repositories for odd receipts, napkins, gum wrappers, and the like.

Called the Porsche Design P2150 2.2 Lean BriefBag, it was created on the lean management principle, whose goal is avoid all kinds of wasted space. In this case, the idea is to allow only what is actually needed to be placed inside the BriefBag. My long-deceased grandmother always used to say, A place for everything, and everything in its place. Had she been alive today, she might have worked for The Porsche Design studio, because if anything defines their lean principle, this old saying does.

Plaid Doctrine Briefcase, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Gadgets, Handbags, Green

Plaid Doctrine Briefcase, Handbag of the Day
OK, not quite a handbag, but certainly can carry a few extra items tucked in with your laptop ... Plaid Doctrine's briefcase is a nice twist on the ho-hum black laptop carrier and is eco-friendly, too. The bag is water- and stain-resistant, and its high-performance fabric is made from recycled bottles. Other features are prime-grade, vegetable-tanned leather trim, solid brass hardware with nickel matte finish, a full ripstop nylon lining, and a handy rear pocket to slip over a rolling luggage handle. Measures 12" x 16" x 4" and holds a laptop with up to a 17" screen. Colors are Blue Houndstooth (shown), Red Houndstooth, and Grey Striped. Free ground shipping domestically. $479

Asprey Londoner Luggage by Globe-Trotter

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Men's Style


Famed London luxury goods house Asprey has come out with a luxurious new line of luggage created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter, makers of fine travel cases since 1897. The five-piece Londoner Luggage collection, manufactured by hand in England, was designed by Bruce Hoeksema, Asprey's newly appointed creative director. The luggage comes in Asprey's signature royal purple with purple genuine crocodile handles and trim, and matte black with oxidized metallic corners and black crocodile handles and trim. The cases are lined in durable hemp linen with a leather hand stamped Asprey label and signature Asprey locks. The hand stitched crocodile corners were chosen to complement the classic regimental stripe of the removable webbed luggage straps that secure the suitcases.

The Classicist: Celebrating Tumi's 35 Years of Luxe Luggage

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, The Classicist


When President Obama selected a black leather Tumi laptop bag as his briefcase of choice, it was just the latest confirmation that the chic brand has become the leader in premium business and travel accessories. The company is celebrating its 35th anniversary this fall with with several new collections reflecting its heritage and authenticity. Limited edition collections, including Tumi Originals, a special line of 35 iconic city leather luggage tags and a collection of Boston bags, honors both the brand's past and the future. The origins of Tumi can be traced back to 1975. While stationed in South America, ex-Peace Corps member Charlie Clifford became captivated by the authentic raw leathers produced in Colombia. Motivated by the desire to introduce fine leather bags for business, he set about importing them to America.

Today the brand has an established reputation for its ballistic nylon, but in the beginning, leather was the material of choice. Tumi Originals, launching holiday 2010, is a modern day reinterpretation of some of the first styles from Tumi, as seen in the company's first ad campaign above. With classic silhouettes and detailing, the collection pays tribute to the "firsts" from the brand. The five-style collection will include silhouettes such as the first tri-fold garment bag, soft satchel and tote. The pieces are crafted from washed Malaga leather with antique brass hardware and unlined leather front pockets, both which are direct references to the styling details of the "first" collection. Available in black and sienna brown, Tumi Originals incorporate styling details and elements first used by the brand 35 years ago but with an innovative approach.

Parabellum Bison and Kevlar Laptop and iPad Cases

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style


Parabellum
, makers of hand-crafted leather goods with a military flair in Los Angeles, have come out with a new line of bison hide and Kevlar laptop and iPad cases. The CPU Portfolio for $980 is designed for safe and luxurious storage and transit of either a 15" or 17" laptop. That's not just hype - the case is lined in pure cashmere – vintage 1940s dead stock cashmere from the UK, to be precise. It's made of deep textured Reservation Bison with leather and Kevlar reinforcements and features a carrying strap, super smooth zipper and a ceramic covered snap lock. Each piece is individually numbered for authenticity.

The iPad case for $600 is also made of deep textured Reservation Bison with a lambskin liner, dual ceramic covered snap locks, Kevlar reinforcements and reinforced, elastic and leather corner holders on the back. Each one is also individually numbered for authenticity. Prabellum's deep textured Bison hide comes from free-range American ranches, and is tanned domestically in small batches using age old techniques. Their ceramic hardware is military grade for the ultimate in durability. The cases are available at Maxfield and Union in Los Angeles, The Webster in Miami and Colette in Paris.

Jack Spade Drill Slim Turnpike Briefcase

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style

jack spade briefcase
Jack Spade bags are timeless. Their designs are classic with a slight twist (usually a pop of color) that immediately catches your eye. In the case of their Drill Slim Turnpike Briefcase ($395) , it's an unusual shape. One side has a curved edge while the other has a straight edge. It's this small but noticeable feature that makes me constantly stare at this bag. It almost makes the briefcase seem unbalanced but somehow it works. It's completely unexpected which makes me like the Drill Slim Turnpike Briefcase even more. I love when a designer can produce something unexpected that I end up loving.

The Drill Slim Briefcase is made from nylon and polyurethane making it waterproof, durable and resistant to those annoying scratches that I never seem to know where they've come from. It features a chocolate leather trim, a top zip closure and is quite roomy inside along with several interior and several exterior pockets for your smaller items. My husband fits his laptop, files, and magazines with room to spare. There is also a detachable shoulder strap if you'd rather not carry your briefcase.

Rare Hermès Crocodile Briefcase for $30,000

Filed under: Men's Style

hermes briefcase
The Sac à Depeche crocodile skin briefcase from Hermès of Paris is one of the famed French luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. The ultimate gentleman's business accessory, the elegant model has long been a favorite of aristocrats, royalty, the international jet set and heads of state. The Sac à Depeche was first introduced by Hermès in 1937, and one of the first purchasers was the Duke of Windsor. John F. Kennedy famously carried an example in black crocodile given to him by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, which he took with him on that fateful trip to Dallas in 1964. Kennedy's briefcase sold for $700,000 at auction in 1998. The Sac à Depeche in crocodile remains available by special order – with a 4-5 year waiting list. However, a rare and authentic 20th century crocodile Sac à Depeche is now being offered for sale by London's Pullman Gallery for about $30,000. Finished in tan Crocodilus Porosos, the very finest crocodile skin in the world, the exquisite case is in perfect mint condition, and comes complete with a key fob and two keys, signed Hermès, Paris.

[via JustLuxe]

CC Filson Philanthropist Briefcase

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style

A work bag is essential. I've tried countless times to try and go without one. To minimize what I take to work in hopes of virtually bringing nothing with me when I arrive to the office. But that hasn't fared so well. There are just too many items that I need or want to have with me during the work day. So, I've become obsessed with work bags that are uber-functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye without being flashy. A bag that is classic and long lasting in style.

I think I've found the perfect work bag in the Philanthropist Briefcase by CC Filson. Although it's being marketed as a men's work bag, this could also be worn by a woman. It has a sleek silhouette with minimal leather and gold accents throughout, while it's dark hues and sturdy canvas material - which can easily be cleaned - allow for daily use without looking worn out in a few months. I especially love the tiny little red stitch in the center - it's so nondescript and unexpected. The Philanthropist also features a detachable and padded leather shoulder strap, two interior pockets and four exterior pockets for organization. Dimensions: 16"W x 12.5"H x 4"D. Price: $365.

Basil Racuk - Bags for Real Men

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style

Basil Racuk
In a world where men seem to have few choices for truly stylish, yet manly bags, Basil Racuk is breaking the (manbag) mold. While some men helplessly carry a tote or messenger bag, or, god help them, a backpack, the choices for men of taste have been somewhat limited to briefcases and doctor bags.

No longer. Basil Racuk, which launched in February 2008, has interesting, elegantly rugged man bags that don't bring your masculinity into question.

Basil, the brand's designer and namesake, comes from a NY fashion world background. He had a menswear line in the 90s which sold at Barneys, among other retailers, and then worked on Seventh Avenue for many years at a leather company, where he learned about skin qualities. In 2001, Basil moved to the San Francisco Bay area. "I immediately felt at home amidst the valleys, mountains and streams. It's a great place to be, and a great place to reimagine what it means to design. It has influenced my design process tremendously."

Basil Racuk caters 50 percent to women and 50 percent to men, but it's the men's bags which truly caught our attention. I asked Basil via email what his design philosophy is when it comes to designing for men.

"My decision to get into accessories was that bags and such are an area where men (specifically) should given a product that is well-made and 'simply thoughtful' in its design. Further to that is my belief that 'branding' is no longer relevant in the way that we've come to expect it over the past 10+ years -- and should therefore be eliminated whenever possible. Because of this, there is no visible marking on the exterior of my product."

Even without a big, gaudy logo emblazoned all over your bling-free bag, there will be no doubt about its quality -- or that it's expensive. Click through the gallery to see a few of the items available on basilracuk.com. Basil Racuk custom bags are available through Leffot in NYC (10 Christopher Street) and will be available from Union Made Goods in San Francisco beginning January 22, 2010.

Every item is handmade to order.

Brooks Brothers Crocodile Luggage & Accessories

Filed under: Men's Style


Classic clothier Brooks Brothers is making a foray into high-end luxury goods with its new line of genuine crocodile luggage and accessories for men. The ultra-luxe, elegant and understated collection consists of five pieces: a Crocodile Weekender duffel bag (above); matching Crocodile Flap Briefcase; a Crocodile Travel Bag; an Alligator Journal; and an Alligator Eyeglass Case. The last two are finished in fine alligator skin; all the bags feature brass hardware. The Weekender retails for $15,000; the Briefcase for $10,000; the Travel Bag for $3,000; the Journal for $3,000; and the Eyeglass Case for $1,000. Altogether the five pieces come to $32,000.

[via JustLuxe]

Tumi Townhouse Alligator Accessories

Filed under: Men's Style

Tumi alligator
Stylish luggage and travel accessories company Tumi has just come out with its most luxurious designs yet: two new additions to its exclusive Townhouse collection finished in the world's finest alligator skin. Slim and sleek, the Parliament Brief (above) bears slender retractable handles and zip top closure and is priced at $13,000. A signature polished nickel clasp closure secures the Windsor Envelope, which is priced at $12,000. The two pieces together cost $25,000. Starting in the fall the cases will be available by special order only. Handmade in Italy, each piece is constructed from the finest alligator skins and lined in supple tan suede. As we reported earlier this year, President Obama carries a black Tumi briefcase.

[via JustLuxe]

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